CDC investigating multi-state ground beef E. coli outbreak

Thursday, September 29, 2016 by: Daniel Barker
Tags: recall, E. coli, contaminated meat

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(NaturalNews) A multi-state recall of ground beef, veal and bison has been issued after seven people fell ill from eating E. coli-contaminated meat products that came from Massachusetts-based Adams Farm Slaughterhouse.

Of the seven people who were reportedly sickened from eating the contaminated meat, five were hospitalized, and as of Saturday, September 24, the E. coli outbreak had reached four states: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Officials from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are currently investigating the cause of the outbreak, and by Saturday had contacted five of the seven people who fell ill. All five had eaten Adams Farm ground beef.

The strain of E. coli bacteria identified in the outbreak (Escherichia coli O157:H7) produces Shiga toxins, which can cause serious illness, particularly in young and elderly people, as well as those with weak immune systems. The ages of those affected in the current outbreak range from 1 to 74.

E. coli infections can lead to fatal kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome), but none of those who fell ill have yet been diagnosed with that condition.

From Fox News:

"The recalled products were shipped to farmers markets, retailers and restaurants in Massachusetts, Connecticut and eastern New York, but may have also been shipped to neighboring states. ...

"Illnesses began between June 27 and Sept. 4, 2016, but officials noted those that began after Sept. 8, 2016 may not be reported yet, as the typical lag time between when an individual is sickened and when he or she reports so is two to three weeks on average."

To view a complete listing of the recalled products, visit the USDA website.

What causes E. coli contamination?

There are many strains of E. coli bacteria, and the most common way for humans to become infected is through eating contaminated food, especially ground beef.

From the Mayo Clinic:

"When cattle are slaughtered and processed, E. coli bacteria in their intestines can get on the meat. Ground beef combines meat from many different animals, increasing the risk of contamination."

Although many strains of E. coli typically cause nothing more serious than a case of diarrhea, the O157:H7 strain identified in the current outbreak can damage the lining of the small intestine, causing bloody diarrhea, and (as mentioned above) can sometimes also lead to kidney failure.

How to avoid E. coli contamination

One way to avoid E. coli infection from ground beef is to make sure it is cooked thoroughly, but for those who prefer their hamburgers rare, it's best to buy locally-produced organic beef from a trusted supplier.

E. coli infections can also be contracted from contaminated vegetables, but thoroughly washing them should remove any traces of the bacteria.

Another way to avoid E. coli infections is by taking probiotic supplements. A person with enough healthy gut flora is unlikely to contract E. coli, and probiotics will help to ensure that your digestive system can deal with any E. coli bacteria you might ingest from eating contaminated foods.

Avoiding the use of antibiotics is also important, since they destroy "friendly' gut flora.

For the most part, E. coli contaminated food is the direct result of large-scale industrial agriculture, in which animals are raised in filthy, overcrowded conditions and given antibiotics to keep them alive.

By carefully choosing your food sources and relying on locally-sourced organic meat and vegetables, while also making sure your own digestive system is in good working order, you have little to fear from E. coli outbreaks such as the current one.

As always, eating natural, organically-raised foods is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid getting sick.

Sources:

FoxNews.com

MayoClinic.org

NaturalNews.com

Science.NaturalNews.com